Sounds like a solid plan! Just remember that if you're still working while collecting early retirement benefits, you'll be subject to the earnings test until you reach your FRA (around $21,240/year for 2025 as someone mentioned). Good luck with everything!

Great to see so many people sharing their experiences with this strategy! Just wanted to add one important point that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure to keep detailed records of all your communications with SSA. Save copies of any forms you submit, write down the names of representatives you speak with, and keep notes with dates of phone calls or office visits. This documentation can be incredibly valuable if there are any issues or mix-ups later on. Also, consider requesting a benefit verification letter once your retirement benefits start - this confirms what type of benefit you're receiving and can help when you switch to survivor benefits at your FRA. The more documentation you have, the smoother the transition should be!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Connor. You're asking really smart questions about planning ahead. Just wanted to add one more consideration that might be helpful as you think about your timeline: if you're still working and earning income, there's an earnings test that applies to survivor benefits claimed before your full retirement age. If you claim survivor benefits at 60 but are still working, you might have benefits reduced if you earn over the annual limit (around $22,320 for 2024). This is temporary though - any benefits withheld due to earnings get added back to your benefit amount once you reach full retirement age. This might factor into your decision about when to claim, especially if you plan to keep working. The good news is you have 8 years to plan this out and see how your financial situation evolves. Your kids will be 16 and 19 by then, so your expenses and needs may be quite different.

I'm truly sorry for your loss, Connor. You're being so thoughtful in planning ahead for your family's financial security. I wanted to add something that might help with your long-term planning: since you're 52 now, you have time to potentially maximize your own Social Security benefit by continuing to work. Social Security calculates your benefit based on your highest 35 years of earnings, so if you're currently earning more than you did in some earlier years, those additional work years could replace lower-earning years in your calculation. This is especially relevant given the claiming strategies others mentioned. If you can build up your own benefit significantly over the next 10-15 years, you might be able to claim a reduced survivor benefit at 60, then switch to your own (potentially higher) benefit at your full retirement age of 67. Also, don't forget that both benefits will receive annual cost-of-living adjustments, so even though your husband's benefit won't "grow" in the traditional sense, it will keep pace with inflation. You're asking all the right questions and planning well ahead. Consider meeting with a fee-only financial planner who specializes in Social Security strategies when you get closer to 60 - they can run detailed scenarios to help you optimize your claiming strategy.

Did u get a letter in the mail?? Usually SS sends something explaining any payment changes. Maybe the letter is just delayed? I'd hold onto that money until you're sure what it's for.... SS has been known to make mistakes and then demand repayment with penalties!!

This is really helpful information! As someone new to Social Security benefits, I had no idea that they automatically recalculate your benefits if you keep working. I'm planning to start collecting at my FRA next year but was hoping to continue working part-time for a few more years. It's encouraging to know that those additional earnings could actually boost my monthly benefit rather than just being "wasted." Quick question - does this automatic recalculation happen regardless of how much you earn while collecting, or is there a minimum threshold your new earnings need to meet to trigger the review? I'm wondering if my planned part-time work would be substantial enough to make a difference.

This entire discussion has been incredibly enlightening! As someone new to this community, I'm amazed at how supportive and knowledgeable everyone is here. I'm in a similar situation - divorced after 20 years, and I'm about 18 months older than my ex-husband. I've been so worried about the timing and requirements, but seeing all these real success stories from people with age differences has given me tremendous peace of mind. The consistent message across everyone's experiences is crystal clear: you can absolutely file for ex-spouse benefits at YOUR full retirement age, regardless of whether your ex has reached his FRA or filed for his own benefits. I'm taking detailed notes on all the practical advice shared here - bringing all possible documents, calling early in the morning, using the specific terminology "divorced spouse benefits," and being prepared to educate SSA reps if needed. Thank you to everyone who shared their personal experiences. This community support is invaluable when navigating such a complex system!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly grateful to have found this discussion! I'm facing a very similar situation - divorced after 18 years of marriage, and I'm about 2.5 years older than my ex-husband. I've been so anxious about whether I'd have to wait for him to reach his FRA before I could claim benefits, but reading all these real-world success stories has been such a relief. The consistent message from everyone who has actually gone through this process is clear: you CAN file for divorced spouse benefits when YOU reach your full retirement age, regardless of your ex's age or filing status. I'm taking notes on all the practical advice shared here - having all documents ready (especially the divorce decree!), calling SSA early in the morning for shorter wait times, using the specific terminology "divorced spouse benefits," and being prepared to politely correct any misinformation from SSA reps. It's unfortunate that we have to become experts on these rules ourselves, but this community support makes all the difference. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences - you've turned what felt like an impossible situation into something I can confidently navigate!

One thing I'd add from my experience helping my nephew through this process - when you go to your appointment, bring multiple copies of everything! The SSA office sometimes needs to keep originals or certified copies, and having extras saved me a second trip. Also, ask them to give you a receipt or some kind of documentation that you've filed the DAC application. I learned the hard way that applications can sometimes get "lost in the system" and having proof that you filed on a specific date can be really important if there are any delays or issues later. The whole process took about 3 months for us from application to first DAC payment, but it was worth it - my nephew's monthly benefit increased from $914 on SSI to $1,247 on DAC. The difference has been life-changing for his independence and quality of life.

Just to add another important point - make sure to ask about the family maximum benefit at your appointment. There's a cap on how much total benefits can be paid on one person's work record, usually around 150-180% of your full retirement benefit. Since you're taking retirement at 64 and your son will be getting DAC benefits, you want to make sure you understand how this affects both of your monthly amounts. In most cases it won't be an issue with just two people, but it's good to know the numbers upfront. Also, if you have any other children who might be eligible for benefits on your record (under 18, or disabled), that could affect the calculations. The representative should be able to run the numbers and show you exactly what both of your benefits will be once the DAC is approved.